Definitions for "Windows Internet Naming Service"
A system that determines the IP address associated with a particular network computer. This is called name resolution. WINS supports network client and server computers running Windows and can provide name resolution for other computers with special arrangements. Determining the IP address for a computer is a complex process when DHCP servers assign IP addresses dynamically. For example, it is possible for DHCP to assign a different IP address to a client each time the machine logs on to the network. See also Domain Name Service (DNS).
A service that maps IP addresses with workstation names or NetBIOS names. This allows users to access resources by name rather than IP address, which is easier to use and remember. See NetBIOS and IP address.
As part of the Microsoft Windows NT Server WINS manages the association of workstation names and locations with Internet Protocol addresses (IP addresses) without the user or an administrator having to be involved in each configuration change.